成人论坛

"Penywaun - the centre of the universe, or so it seemed. I used to think that nothing was bigger than Penywaun. Or for that matter, nothing was bigger than myself. I actually believed that the world revolved around me, I later realised different.

At the age of 13, I was at a point in my life where nothing actually mattered to me.

School was crap. Being out of school was crap. My whole life was crap.

I was drinking alcohol nearly every single day - stealing car radios and burning out cars just to make a statement about who I was and what I was capable of. This went on for nearly two years. Things needed to change. I needed to change.

I had reached the crossroads - I could either follow the road I was on, or turn off in a new direction and make a difference in my life.

I was fortunate to have the support of my mother and girlfriend Stephanie. I also found sport a great release for my aggression and energy. I went to college, got qualifications and got a job with the Prince's Trust Cymru - working positively in my community instead of working on its downfall.

At the moment my future looks bright, my partner is three months pregnant with Ryan Barry junior and we're saving for a house. You know it's funny, it took me 20 years to realise that the world doesn't actually revolve around me; I just help the world revolve."

End music. End slide - 'fin'.

Please tell us about yourself.
I'm Ryan Barry. I'm 20 years of age and live in Penywaun. At the age of 13, I was getting into serious trouble with the police and local residents. I now work for the Prince's Trust Cymru in Penywaun undertaking business start-ups and general youth work.

What's your story about?
It's about me changing my life over a period of two years. First I talk about life as a criminal and then the way I changed my life for the better. It was important for me to tell this story because I hope it acts as a deterrent for other young people who are thinking of following the same road as I did.

What did you find most rewarding about the workshop?
I enjoyed every single aspect of it, epecially taking the photographs.

Your comments

"Wow fella - truely inspirational if I do say so. You want to consider writing a book about your life." Jimmy, New York, Apr 2008.

"Amazing story, Ryan. It's amazing how people can change their lives. A true inspiration to us all." Steve Davies from Merthyr Tydfil, Apr 2008.

"Yes from Penywaun your story is no diff from anyone else at your age we are all learnin the end but have a good life from now onwards." Granville Davies, Adelaide, Sept 2007.